Record number of first-class graduates in teacher training

Official figures have revealed record numbers of graduates with a first-class degree are training to be teachers.

According to the initial teacher training census, one in six trainees starting this year hold a first-class degree - the highest proportion ever recorded. Over two-thirds have a 2:1 or better.

The government's plan for education involves ensuring enough high-quality candidates for teaching jobs are recruited, with excellent subject knowledge to prepare pupils for modern life in Britain.

Charlie Taylor, chief executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said: "We want the best and brightest teachers in our schools to ensure pupils have the right skills needed to succeed in life and to help the UK compete in the global economy."

The figures also show there has been a large rise in the number of entrants opting to train to be computing teachers. Some 519 postgraduate computing trainees have been recruited this year - a 45 per cent increase on the last 12 months.